The Indian selectors have announced the squad which will take part in the Asia Cup, 2011-12 due to be staged in Bangladesh from March 11, 2012.

The out of form players, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan and Umesh Yadav have been side lined from the touring party. The trio of players were unable to impress in the Commonwealth bank series 2011-12 being held at Australia which led the Blue Shirts to the misery as they were reeling at the bottom of the table.

Virender Sehwag faced a lean period throughout the series and runs were difficult to come out of his blade. He took part in five matches, scored mere 65 runs at a poor average of 13.00 with the best of 30 which can be the solid reason for his ouster.

Zaheer Khan is the prime bowler of India but could manage just five wickets in four matches at a high average of 39.40 runs per wicket with the best of 2 for 44 runs.

The young Umesh Yadav took part in six matches, held five wickets averaging at the highest rate of 59.80 runs per wicket with the best of 2 for 39 runs.

The chairman of selectors, Kris Srikkant, however, denied the rumours of dropping the said players and confirmed they have been given rest because of their fitness problems. He said, “Unfortunately Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan have been asked to take rest by the physiotherapist. It is purely on injury grounds both have been rested, I can assure you that nobody has been dropped.”

The prominent all-rounder, Yusuf Pathan was inducted in the side duo to his excellent form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and other domestic encounters while representing his home team Baroda.

The right arm fast bowler, Aashok Dinda, impressed the selectors and he was provided another chance to prove his worth in the limited over cricket.

The most exciting player of the tri – series in Austarlia, Virat Kohli, has been designated as the deputy of MS Dhoni keeping in view his leadership qualities as a future national Captain. Kohli was the top scorer until the conclusion of the 11th match of the Commonwealth Bank Series. He has thrashed 373 runs at a super average of 53.28, the best of unbeaten 133 with one century and two fifties.

The young comrade butchered the bowling attack of Sri Lanka on February 28, 2012, hammered 133 runs from just 86 balls which comprised two sixes and 16 fours. His masterly innings brought home the much needed victory along with bonus points while a magical turn over in the last encounter between Australia and Sri Lanka can bring them in the finals if the later become losers.

Srikkanth believed that the selectors have confidence in the leadership qualities of Kohli and he can become a future captain. He further commented, “The selection committee and board feels that Virat Kohli could be good future captaincy material,”

Indian squad for Asia Cup

M S Dhoni (Capt)
Virat Kohli (V Capt)
Sachin Tendulkar
Gautam Gambhir
Rohit Sharma
Suresh Raina
Ravindra Jadeja
R Ashwin
Praveen Kumar
Vinay Kumar
Rahul Sharma
Yusuf Pathan
Manoj Tiwary
Irfan Pathan
Ashok Dinda